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01-10-2014 | Gastrointestinal

Hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging in patients with liver disease: correlation of liver enhancement with biochemical liver function tests

Authors: Guido M. Kukuk, Stephanie G. Schaefer, Rolf Fimmers, Dariusch R. Hadizadeh, Samer Ezziddin, Ulrich Spengler, Hans H. Schild, Winfried A. Willinek

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2014

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using Gd-EOB-DTPA in relation to various liver function tests in patients with liver disorders.

Methods

Fifty-one patients with liver disease underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced liver MRI. Based on region-of-interest (ROI) analysis, liver signal intensity was calculated using the spleen as reference tissue. Liver-spleen contrast ratio (LSCR) and relative liver enhancement (RLE) were calculated. Serum levels of total bilirubin, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum albumin level (AL), prothrombin time (PT), creatinine (CR) as well as international normalised ratio (INR) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were tested for correlation with LSCR and RLE.

Results

Pre-contrast LSCR values correlated with total bilirubin (r = -0.39; p = 0.005), GGT (r = -0.37; p = 0.009), AST (r = -0.38; p = 0.013), ALT (r = -0.29; p = 0.046), PT (r = 0.52; p < 0.001), GLDH (r = -0.55; p = 0.044), INR (r = -0.42; p = 0.003), and MELD Score (r = -0.53; p < 0.001). After administration of Gd-EOB-DTPA bilirubin (r = -0.45; p = 0.001), GGT (r = -0.40; p = 0.004), PT (r = 0.54; p < 0.001), AST (r = -0.46; p = 0.002), ALT (r = -0.31; p = 0.030), INR (r = -0.45; p = 0.001) and MELD Score (r = -0.56; p < 0.001) significantly correlated with LSCR. RLE correlated with bilirubin (r = -0.40; p = 0.004), AST (r = -0.38; p = 0.013), PT (r = 0.42; p = 0.003), GGT (r = -0.33; p = 0.020), INR (r = -0.36; p = 0.011) and MELD Score (r = -0.43; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Liver-spleen contrast ratio and relative liver enhancement using Gd-EOB-DTPA correlate with a number of routinely used biochemical liver function tests, suggesting that hepatobiliary MRI may serve as a valuable biomarker for liver function. The strongest correlation with liver enhancement was found for the MELD Score.

Key Points

• Relative enhancement (RLE) of Gd-EOB-DTPA is related to biochemical liver function tests.

• Correlation of RLE with bilirubin, ALT, AST, GGT, INR and MELD Score is reverse.

• The correlation of relative liver enhancement with prothrombin time is positive.

• AST, ALT, GLDH, prothrombin time, INR and MELD Score correlate with pre-contrast liver-spleen contrast ratio.

• Such biomarkers may help to evaluate liver function.

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Title: Hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging in patients with liver disease: correlation of liver enhancement with biochemical liver function tests
Authors: Guido M. Kukuk
Stephanie G. Schaefer
Rolf Fimmers
Dariusch R. Hadizadeh
Samer Ezziddin
Ulrich Spengler
Hans H. Schild
Winfried A. Willinek
Publication date: 01-10-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 10/2014
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3291-x

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Springer Medicine

Hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging in patients with liver disease: correlation of liver enhancement with biochemical liver function tests

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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